From Jordan to the sea

Islamic militants declare war on road map for peace

Posted: 05/19/2003 11:24 am

Last Updated: 05/19/2003 11:42 am

The Islamic militant group Hamas has declared war on the American-backed road map for peace. Monday morning a Palestinian on a bicycle rode up to an Israeli army jeep in Gaza and blew himself up. Several soldiers were wounded.

Hamas claimed responsibility and released a tape of the three suicide bombers who attacked Israel yesterday. Any sign of compromise between the Palestinians and the Israelis threatens the militants whose goal, they say, is to destroy Israel.



Hamas spokesman Mahmoud al-Zahar said, "We are supporting any process to defend our people. To dismiss the occupation outside."

After a weekend of terror in which five Palestinian terrorists were killed while they killed nine Israeli civilians and wounded dozens, Israel clamped down.

No Palestinians can cross from the West Bank or Gaza into Israel. Any foreign diplomats or politicians who even intend to meet with Yasser Arafat will not be allowed to meet with Israeli officials. Israel blames Arafat for supporting the terror and wants to isolate him further.

Arafat today, however, condemned the attacks, but Israeli ministers say they have had enough of his lies. In last night's cabinet meeting they discussed whether to force Arafat into exile but Prime Minister Sharon said no.